Arada has announced the launch of Manbat, a new farmers’ market that will focus on offering the very best in fresh and local produce, at its popular Sharjah destination, Aljada. The outdoor market will take place every Friday between 3pm and 8pm, with the first edition taking place this Friday 22 January.
Manbat has been launched in partnership with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, which is dedicated towards improving the performance of the UAE’s agricultural sector, including via the creation of markets for local produce.
The market will provide food producers in Sharjah and across the UAE with a unique opportunity to showcase their wares to a wide range of customers as well as retail buyers, thus building up consumer trust in local produce. In addition, it will also assist farmers by giving them valuable experience in the marketing and selling of their goods.
HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Arada, said: “Manbat is yet another strong community initiative taking place at Aljada and will be a valuable addition to the Sharjah weekend calendar this year, helping to champion the very best that the Emirate – and the UAE – has to offer.
“We are proud to collaborate with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment to support the UAE’s long-term goals to improve its food security by helping local farmers and food producers. The launch of this weekly market allows families to have a fun and safe day out, as well as giving them access to amazing farm-to-table produce.”
Manbat’s positioning within the Madar at Aljada complex ensures that all exhibitors and guests can benefit from a safe and socially distanced environment, all set within a superb location that is already one of Sharjah’s most visited destinations.
The 30 onsite stalls will feature a wide range of farmers, entrepreneurs, suppliers and F&B outlets, as well as a presence from Spinneys, Manbat’s official Retail Partner.
Spinneys personnel will be available for discussions with farmers, as part of the supermarket giant’s programme to support micro food and beverage businesses in the UAE.
Families visiting Manbat this Friday will also be able to view a rally of vintage and classic cars, arranged by Sharjah Old Cars Club. The rally will begin at the Sharjah Old Cars Club at 3.30 pm, and will proceed to Aljada afterwards.
Aljada’s list of attractions includes a soft play area for children, a skatepark, ample outdoor seating including an amphitheatre, as well as Zad, a popular food truck village and drive-thru featuring 25 different outlets. In addition, the free-to-enter drive-in cinema, Movie Nights at Aljada, will be showing two blockbuster films on Friday: children’s hit Night at the Museum at 8pm, and sci-fi comedy Men in Black at 11pm.
The launch of Manbat and the partnership with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is the latest in a series of tie-ups that are bringing the local community to Aljada. Existing partnerships include a collaboration with Sharjah International Film Festival, to show Arabic-language shorts at Movie Nights at Aljada on a monthly basis, and a new agreement that was signed in early January with Sharjah Women’s Sports Foundation, which will see Arada support the development of female sport both at Aljada and around the UAE.